The Backstretch

Denny Hamlin wins for the second straight week and continues his march up the NASCAR record books. In Season 5, Episode 20 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin's latest victory and what it means as he ties Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Josh Berry announces he won't return to the Wood Brothers next season, creating another unexpected Silly Season storyline. Does it matter? NASCAR begins a stretch of unique tracks starting with Pocono. How much does this part of the schedule change the championship picture? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ricky joins the show to discuss his season, navigating the ups and downs of the Cup Series schedule, and what drivers face as NASCAR heads to one of its most unique tracks. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Drivers react after the massive crash involving Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott at Michigan Bell suffered a broken hand but plans to race at Pocono The No. 11 team reacts after an accident Carson Hocevar may or may not have caused Bubba Wallace had a conversation with Hocevar after the race about choosing his spots — does Hocevar need to adjust his aggressive driving style? 🎙 Backstretch Conversation NHRA legend Ron Capps joins the show to talk racing, competition, and the similarities and becoming a Legend of Thunder Valley 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier previews Pocono Raceway and breaks down the keys to winning at the Tricky Triangle, including strategy, shifting, braking zones, and why Pocono rewards drivers who can adapt quickly. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won't hear

Denny Hamlin wins at Nashville and moves one step closer to NASCAR history.
In Season 5, Episode 19 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin's 62nd career Cup Series victory, putting him just one win behind Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list. At 45 years old, Hamlin continues to perform at an elite level — but just how impressive is this run?
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
The Nashville race lasted more than four hours, prompting Denny Hamlin to suggest shortening the event to 300 miles. Does race length matter?
Corey Heim is officially announced as the driver of the No. 35 car next season, replacing Riley Herbst. Another young driver is making the jump to a full-time Cup ride — how important is that for the sport?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Carson HocevarMichigan native Carson Hocevar joins the show to discuss his season, racing in front of a home-state crowd, and the challenges of competing at NASCAR's highest level.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
The No. 6 team reacts after an incident involving Austin Dillon and the No. 3 car
NASCAR declines to penalize Dillon, citing throttle data discussed on the Hauler Talk podcast
More frustration surfaces from the No. 12 team late in the race — was it directed at Shane van Gisbergen or simply the product of hard racing at Nashville?
🛠 Pit NotesChris Carrier previews Michigan International Speedway and explains the keys to winning at one of NASCAR's fastest intermediate tracks, where momentum, clean air, and fuel strategy often decide the race.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else.

One week after the tragic and unexpected loss of Kyle Busch, the NASCAR community continues to reflect on the impact he had on the sport, the garage, and generations of racers.
In Season 5, Episode 18 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier open the show by sharing memories of Kyle Busch and discussing what his loss means to NASCAR. Chris also reflects on his team's relationship with Kyle Busch Motorsports and the influence Busch had on young drivers throughout the sport.
🎙 Special Conversation with Doug RiceIn the hours following Kyle Busch's passing, Heather spoke with Doug Rice of the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about Busch's legacy, his place in NASCAR history, and the lasting impact he leaves behind.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Daniel Suárez wins the rain-shortened Coca-Cola Almost 600, earning his first victory with Spire Motorsports and the organization's second win of the season. Does it matter that the race didn't go the full distance?
Rain impacted every major race of the weekend. How much should shortened events affect how we view the results?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Michael McDowellMichael joins the show to discuss the season so far, the challenges of racing through changing conditions, and what teams are focused on as NASCAR heads into the summer stretch.
🛠 Pit NotesChris Carrier previews Nashville Superspeedway and breaks down the keys to winning in Middle Tennessee, from track position and tire management to the importance of execution on restarts.
This week's episode is part reflection, part racing conversation, and a reminder of the people who make this sport special.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, driver interviews, and insider perspective from the pit box.
#NASCAR #KyleBusch #MichaelMcDowell #DougRice #DanielSuarez #NashvilleSuperspeedway #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

Kyle Busch's career has been defined by speed, intensity, championships, rivalries, and unforgettable moments. In this special episode of The Backstretch Podcast, we take a look back at the life and legacy of one of NASCAR's most impactful drivers.
From his early rise through the sport to his dominance at Bristol Motor Speedway, this episode features interviews with people who knew Kyle best, along with highlights from some of the moments that made him one of the most recognizable names in NASCAR.
🏁 In This Special Episode
Reflections from friends, competitors, and members of the NASCAR community
Kyle Busch's greatest moments at Bristol Motor Speedway
Career-defining victories and memorable performances
The impact he made on fans, teams, and the sport as a whole
Why his legacy will continue to be felt for generations of drivers to come
Whether you cheered for him, rooted against him, or simply respected his talent, there's no denying the mark Kyle Busch left on NASCAR.
Join us as we celebrate the memories, the milestones, and the moments that made Kyle Busch one of the sport's most unforgettable figures.
Thank you for watching and for sharing your memories in the comments below.
#NASCAR #KyleBusch #BristolMotorSpeedway #BackstretchPodcast #NASCARHistory #RacingLegend

Shane van Gisbergen wins again at Watkins Glen — and once again the question comes up: are we watching the greatest road course driver NASCAR has ever seen?
In Season 5, Episode 16 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down SVG’s latest road course masterclass and what separates him from the rest of the field whenever NASCAR turns right.
We also dive into:
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t
Katherine Legge attempting the Indy 500 / Coca-Cola 600 double — how difficult is it really, and does it matter for NASCAR?
The many changes coming to this year’s All-Star Race and what drivers really think about them
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Erik JonesErik joins the show to talk about his season so far, the challenge of adapting week-to-week, and the upcoming All-Star Race changes.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Carson Hocevar and the No. 21 get together — racing incident or reputation problem?
NASCAR keeps the race green after Cody Ware’s hard hit late in the race — are officials letting too much go?
🎙 Backstretch Conversation – Noah GragsonNoah talks about staying confident during tough stretches, handling expectations, and how he became one of NASCAR’s most popular personalities.
🛠 Pit NotesChris Carrier previews the All-Star Race at Dover for the first time — breaking down the Monster Mile, tire wear, aggression, and why mistakes happen fast there.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

Chase Elliott gets the win at Texas — and reaches two victories earlier in the season than ever before.
In Season 5, Episode 15 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down what Elliott’s fast start really means — and whether he’s now the biggest threat to Tyler Reddick’s early-season dominance.
We also dive into:
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t
Carson Hocevar at the Met Gala — unexpected, but does it actually matter?
Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick sign long-term deals, locking up two major names this silly season — no surprise, but how important is it?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Dystany Spurlock
Dystany joins the show to talk her journey, opportunity in the sport, and what comes next.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
The No. 60 team penalized after a run-in with the 54 — was it the incident or the radio traffic that made the difference?
Kyle Busch avoids penalty in a similar situation — where’s the line?
Busch’s weekend continues with tension involving the 77 and the 42 — is fighting multiple battles helping or hurting his momentum?
🛠 Pit NotesChris Carrier previews Watkins Glen — strategy, braking zones, and how rain in the forecast could change everything.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.
#NASCAR #ChaseElliott #DystanySpurlock #WatkinsGlen #KyleBusch #TylerReddick #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast

Carson Hocevar gets his first career Cup Series win — and celebrates like it.
In Season 5, Episode 14 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hocevar’s breakthrough moment, what it means for Spire Motorsports, and why this win could be bigger than just one race.
It also felt like a big weekend for the sport — maybe even a shift.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t
A changing guard in NASCAR? From Hocevar’s win to rising names across the sport
Cleetus McFarland finishes second in ARCA, Corey Day wins in the O’Reilly Auto Parts race (with Jason Kelce on the pit crew) — is this real momentum or just a moment?
A major leadership change: Jim France steps down as CEO, and Steve O’Donnell becomes the first non-France family member to take the role — how much does that matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Chris BuescherChris joins the show to talk Talladega, adapting to evolving race strategy, and what it takes to stay competitive as the season shifts.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
New stage strategies reduced fuel saving — but passing still proved difficult
More radio issues across teams — and a much bigger problem this week for Ryan Preece at Talladega
🛠 Pit NotesChris Carrier previews Texas Motor Speedway — speed, risk, and why execution matters more than ever at one of the fastest tracks on the schedule.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.
#NASCAR #CarsonHocevar #ChrisBuescher #Talladega #TexasMotorSpeedway #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast

Tyler Reddick keeps rolling — five wins in the first nine races, this time at Kansas.
In Season 5, Episode 13 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Reddick’s dominant start and what it means for the rest of the field as the season takes shape.
We’re also taking a step back to look at the bigger picture across NASCAR right now — what matters, and what doesn’t.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t Ratings vs attendance — TV numbers may be flat, but crowds look strong. Does that actually matter? Trackhouse Racing continues to struggle, with owner Justin Marks calling it a rebuild — is this part of the plan or a real concern?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Riley Herbst. Riley joins the show to talk Kansas, early-season momentum, and how drivers deal with pressure — whether they’re leading or chasing.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter & Off-Track Talk) A funny exchange on the No. 7 radio… but one that points to a real issue Kyle Busch reveals his “hate list” on a podcast — is that mindset helpful, or does it create more problems?
🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to Talladega Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

Ty Gibbs gets his first career Cup Series win — and he does it at Bristol Motor Speedway.
In Season 5, Episode 12 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Gibbs’ breakthrough moment and what it means for his future — and the rest of the field.
We also dive into:
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t
The 750 horsepower package has now been tested across multiple track types — does the added power actually matter?
Cup drivers sweep all three races at Bristol, with a record number competing in the Truck Series — is that good for the sport?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Cole CusterCole joins the show to talk Bristol, the current state of competition, and what drivers are seeing as the season evolves.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 team — frustration, adjustments, and what it signals heading into Kansas
The No. 8 team continues to be a talking point — at what point does something have to change?
🛠 Pit NotesChris Carrier previews Kansas Speedway — his hometown track — breaking down speed, tire wear, and what it takes to win on one of the fastest intermediates on the schedule.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.
#NASCAR #TyGibbs #ColeCuster #Bristol #KansasSpeedway #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast

In Season 5, Episode 11 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams is joined by crew chief Chris Carrier to break down the biggest storylines from the first third of the season — what’s real, what’s not, and what’s coming next. We also bring in two great guests this week:
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Erik Jones Erik joins the show to talk early-season momentum, where his team stands right now, and how drivers approach the grind heading into the next stretch of races.
🎙 Backstretch Conversation with Doug Rice The legendary voice of NASCAR joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the sport, the season so far, and what fans should be watching moving forward.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t Several big names — including Ross Chastain, Chase Briscoe, Kyle Busch, and Austin Dillon — are currently outside the playoff picture. Does it matter this early? 750 horsepower makes its debut at Bristol — will the added power actually change the racing?
🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to success at Bristol — his favorite track — including aggression, tire management, and why there’s no room for mistakes at “The Last Great Colosseum.”
From big-picture storylines to inside-the-garage insight, this episode sets the stage for the next phase of the NASCAR season.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. #NASCAR #ErikJones #DougRice #Bristol #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast #KyleBusch #RossChastain